From the Melbourne _Age_
The Australian army has reinstated a lesbian officer whose complaint
of discrimination, when she was sacked after 18 years of service in
the reserve, and several months as a full-time officer, led to a row
over the ban on homosexuals in the Defence Force. The army refused to
return the sergeant to her parent unit in Perth, and has posted her to
headquarters. The woman refused comments, citing the Official Secrets
Act. [I don't know the effects of this act in Australia, but in Canada
it has been used to suppress things embarrassing to the Government --
the charge is treason, but often state security is not at risk.]
The woman's reinstatement followed a complaint to the Human Right
Commission, which triggered a Defence Force review. The review, under
pressure from the Defence Force chiefs, led to the Defence Minister to
overule the Defence Science and Personnel Minister and endorse the ban
in June. The Attorney General will ask Cabinet to overturn the ban on
the basis that it breaches party policy and Australia's international
obligations [I am proud that there is still honor in _some_ countries]
to stop sexual discrimination. The reinstatement is seen by some
officials to be a ploy to avoid a report by the Human Rights
Commissioner advising of a breach of international law. This report
would have to be tabled in Parliament.
[I suppose it is hopeless, but perhaps it would be possible to put
pressure on the US to abide by international law as well.]
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John Collier Email: jcollier@ariel.ucs.unimelb.edu.au
HPS -- U. of Melbourne Fax: 61+3 344 7959
Parkville, Victoria, AUSTRALIA 3052